My D applied RD to Elon, but two of her classmates applied EA, both with solid, similar stats - SAT high 1800s, weighted GPAs well over 4.0, plenty of ECs, etc. Elon directly references ZeeMee on their application, and provides a link to upload a video story, complete with photographs and details that apparently bring a student’s app “to life.” This is an optional exercise. Long story short, the friend who submitted the ZeeMee video profile was accepted EA, while the one who did not was deferred. It is purely conjecture if the ZeeMee video played a part, but one can’t help but wonder. My D passed on ZeeMee - she is a bit introverted and wasn’t on board for creating a video to further sell herself. However, I’m feeling that perhaps she should have submitted something, especially since Elon actually supplies a link on their app. It’s not lost on me that some of the admissions counselors at Elon (and many schools) are really young, with some graduating college as early as 2015. Maybe this is the way to reach them?
According to Elon’s Common Data Set, they do consider demonstrated interest. I would say that the video story would be one way to show that interest.
If you were an adcom comparing 2 candidates with similar stats, but one submitted the optional video story, it stands to reason that that applicant would stand out, create a more ‘personal’ story and be harder for the adcom to pass over. Many gc give the advice that optional means mandatory in this process.
Yes, Elon does appreciate demonstrated interest. We have visited, e-mailed the admissions counselor with a few questions, etc. I just feel for the less outgoing applicants who don’t embrace the “here I am” video concept, as it may ultimately prove detrimental, even for strong candidates. Fortunately, my D applied to 8 schools and Elon was the only one who mentioned the ZeeMee exercise. But we love Elon, so fingers crossed.
@wisteria100 , I agree. We came across “optional” questions, essays, etc. in the admissions process and never thought to gloss over any. Optional really does equal mandatory these days. I’m trying to convince her to upload something. We still have a little time.
You don’t have to create a video for ZeeMee. Just upload photos and write a few engaging sentences about yourself. I think my son’s ZeeMee page was a great way to showcase his various interests. He sent it to all of the schools that he applied to. We have no idea which ones looked at it, but it was very easy to create the page.
For what it’s worth, my kid opted out of the ZeeMee at the one school that promoted it, and got in EA (with merit) anyway. So yes, do what you can to maximize the impact of your application, but not doing something optional like that is not necessarily the kiss of death.